Cie Igcse Physics

Curriculum content

12 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625

4. Curriculum content

Candidates can follow either the Core Curriculum only or they may follow the Extended Curriculum which includes both the Core and the Supplement.

Candidates aiming for grades A* to C must follow the Extended Curriculum.

Candidates must have adequate mathematical skills to cope with the curriculum.

Candidates should make use of the summary list of symbols, units and definitions of quantities.

Throughout the course, teachers should aim to show the relevance of concepts to the candidates everyday life and to the natural and man-made world. To encourage this approach and to allow teachers to use flexible programmes to meet the courses general aims, we have limited the specified content of the syllabus. The following material should therefore be regarded as an exam syllabus rather than a teaching syllabus.

1. General physics

1.1 Length and timeCore

Use and describe the use of rules and measuring cylinders to calculate a length or a volume

Use and describe the use of clocks and devices for measuring an interval of time

Supplement

Use and describe the use of a mechanical method for the measurement of a small distance (including use of a micrometer screw gauge)

Measure and describe how to measure a short interval of time (including the period of a pendulum)

1.2 Speed, velocity and accelerationCore

Define speed and calculate speed from total time

total distance

Plot and interpret a speed/time graph or a distance/time graph

Recognise from the shape of a speed/time graph when a body is

at rest

moving with constant speed

moving with changing speed

Calculate the area under a speed/time graph to work out the distance travelled for motion with constant acceleration

Demonstrate some understanding that acceleration is related to changing speed

Supplement

Distinguish between speed and velocity

Recognise linear motion for which the acceleration is constant and calculate the acceleration

Recognise motion for which the acceleration is not constant

State that the acceleration of free fall for a body near to the Earth is constant

Describe qualitatively the motion of bodies falling in a uniform gravitational field with and without air resistance (including reference to terminal velocity)

Curriculum content

13Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625

1.3 Mass and weightCore

Show familiarity with the idea of the mass of a body

State that weight is a force

Demonstrate understanding that weights (and hence masses) may be compared using a balance

Supplement

Demonstrate an understanding that mass is a property that resists change in motion

Describe, and use the concept of, weight as the effect of a gravitational field on a mass

1.4 DensityCore

Describe an experiment to determine the density of a liquid and of a regularly shaped solid and make the necessary calculation

Supplement

Describe the determination of the density of an irregularly shaped solid by the method of displacement, and make the necessary calculation

1.5 Forces

1.5 (a) Effects of forcesCore

State that a force may produce a change in size and shape of a body

Plot extension/load graphs and describe the associated experimental procedure

Describe the ways in which a force may change the motion of a body

Find the resultant of two or more forces acting along the same line

Supplement

Interpret extension/load graphs

State Hookes Law and recall and use the expression F = k x

Recognise the significance of the term limit of proportionality for an extension/load graph

Recall and use the relation between force, mass and acceleration (including the direction)

Describe qualitatively motion in a curved path due to a perpendicular force (F = mv 2/r is not required)

1.5 (b) Turning effectCore

Describe the moment of a force as a measure of its turning effect and give everyday examples

Describe qualitatively the balancing of a beam about a pivot

Supplement

Perform and describe an experiment (involving vertical forces) to show that there is no net moment on a body in equilibrium

Apply the idea of opposing moments to simple systems in equilibrium

1.5 (c) Conditions for equilibriumCore

State that, when there is no resultant force and no resultant turning effect, a system is in equilibrium

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1.5 (d) Centre of massCore

Perform and describe an experiment to determine the position of the centre of mass of a plane lamina

Describe qualitatively the effect of the position of the centre of mass on the stability of simple objects

1.5 (e) Scalars and vectorsSupplement

Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between scalars and vectors and give common examples

Add vectors by graphical representation to determine a resultant

Determine graphically the resultant of two vectors

1.6 Energy, work and power

1.6 (a) EnergyCore

Demonstrate an understanding that an object may have energy due to its motion or its position, and that energy may be transferred and stored

Give examples of energy in different forms, including kinetic, gravitational, chemical, strain, nuclear, internal, electrical, light and sound

Give examples of the conversion of energy from one form to another, and of its transfer from one place to another

Apply the principle of energy conservation to simple examples

Supplement

Recall and use the expressions k.e. = mv 2 and p.e. = mgh

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1.6 (b) Energy resourcesCore

Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable sources of energy

Describe how electricity or other useful forms of energy may be obtained from:

chemical energy stored in fuel

water, including the energy stored in waves, in tides, and in water behind hydroelectric dams

geothermal resources

nuclear fission

heat and light from the Sun (solar cells and panels)

Give advantages and disadvantages of each method in terms of cost, reliability, scale and environmental impact

Show a qualitative understanding of efficiency

Supplement

Show an understanding that energy is released by nuclear fusion in the Sun

Recall and use the equation:

efficiency = energy input

useful energy output 100%

1.6 (c) WorkCore

Relate (without calculation) work done to the magnitude of a force and the distance moved

Supplement

Describe energy changes in terms of work done

Recall and use W = Fd = E

1.6 (d) PowerCore

Relate (without calculation) power to work done and time taken, using appropriate examples

Supplement

Recall and use the equation P = E/t in simple systems

1.7 PressureCore

Relate (without calculation) pressure to force and area, using appropriate examples

Describe the simple mercury barometer and its use in measuring atmospheric pressure

Relate (without calculation) the pressure beneath a liquid surface to depth and to density, using appropriate examples

Use and describe the use of a manometer

Supplement

Recall and use the equation p = F/A

Recall and use the equation p = hg

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2. Thermal physics

2.1 Simple kinetic molecular model of matter

2.1 (a) States of matterCore

State the distinguishing properties of solids, liquids and gases

2.1 (b) Molecular modelCore

Describe qualitatively the molecular structure of solids, liquids and gases

Interpret the temperature of a gas in terms of the motion of its molecules

Describe qualitatively the pressure of a gas in terms of the motion of its molecules

Describe qualitatively the effect of a change of temperature on the pressure of a gas at constant volume

Show an understanding of the random motion of particles in a suspension as evidence for the kinetic molecular model of matter

Describe this motion (sometimes known as Brownian motion) in terms of random molecular bombardment

Supplement

Relate the properties of solids, liquids and gases to the forces and distances between molecules and to the motion of the molecules

Show an appreciation that massive particles may be moved by light, fast-moving molecules

2.1 (c) EvaporationCore

Describe evaporation in terms of the escape of more-energetic molecules from the surface of a liquid

Relate evaporation to the consequent cooling

Supplement

Demonstrate an understanding of how temperature, surface area and draught over a surface influence evaporation

2.1 (d) Pressure changesCore

Relate the change in volume of a gas to change in pressure applied to the gas at constant temperature

Supplement

Recall and use the equation pV = constant at constant temperature

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2.2 Thermal properties

2.2 (a) Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gasesCore

Describe qualitatively the thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases

Identify and explain some of the everyday applications and consequences of thermal expansion

Describe qualitatively the effect of a change of temperature on the volume of a gas at constant pressure

Supplement

Show an appreciation of the relative order of magnitude of the expansion of solids, liquids and gases

2.2 (b) Measurement of temperatureCore

Appreciate how a physical property that varies with temperature may be used for the measurement of temperature, and state examples of such properties

Recognise the need for and identify fixed points

Describe the structure and action of liquid-in-glass thermometers

Supplement

Demonstrate understanding of sensitivity, range and linearity

Describe the structure of a thermocouple and show understanding of its use for measuring high temperatures and those that vary rapidly

2.2 (c) Thermal capacityCore

Relate a rise in the temperature of a body to an increase in internal energy

Show an understanding of the term thermal capacity

Supplement

Describe an experiment to measure the specific heat capacity of a substance

2.2 (d) Melting and boilingCore

Describe melting and boiling in terms of energy input without a change in temperature

State the meaning of melting point and boiling point

Describe condensation and solidification

Supplement

Distinguish between boiling and evaporation

Use the terms latent heat of vaporisation and latent heat of fusion and give a molecular interpretation of latent heat

Describe an experiment to measure specific latent heats for steam and for ice

2.3 Transfer of thermal energy

2.3 (a) ConductionCore

Describe experiments to demonstrate the properties of good and bad conductors of heat

Supplement

Give a simple molecular account of heat transfer in solids

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2.3 (b) ConvectionCore

Relate convection in fluids to density changes and describe experiments to illustrate convection

2.3 (c) RadiationCore

Identify infra-red radiation as part of the electromagnetic spectrum

Supplement

Describe experiments to show the properties of good and bad emitters and good and bad absorbers of infra-red radiation

2.3 (d) Consequences of energy transferCore

Identify and explain some of the everyday applications and consequences of conduction, convection and radiation

3. Properties of waves, including light and sound

3.1 General wave propertiesCore

Describe what is meant by wave motion as illustrated by vibration in ropes and springs and by experiments using water waves

Use the term wavefront

Give the meaning of speed, frequency, wavelength and amplitude

Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves and give suitable examples

Describe the use of water waves to show:

reflection at a plane surface

refraction due to a change of speed

diffraction produced by wide and narrow gaps

Supplement

Recall and use the equation v = f

Interpret reflection, refraction and diffraction using wave theory

3.2 Light

3.2 (a) Reflection of lightCore

Describe the formation of an optical image by a plane mirror, and give its characteristics

Use the law angle of incidence = angle of reflection

Supplement

Perform simple constructions, measurements and calculations

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3.2 (b) Refraction of lightCore

Describe an experimental demonstration of the refraction of light

Use the terminology for the angle of incidence i and angle of refraction r and describe the passage of light through parallel-sided transparent material

Give the meaning of critical angle

Describe internal and total internal reflection

Supplement

Recall and use the definition of refractive index n in terms of speed

Recall and use the equation sin i /sin r = n

Describe the action of optical fibres particularly in medicine and communications technology

3.2 (c) Thin converging lensCore

Describe the action of a thin converging lens on a beam of light

Use the terms principal focus and focal length

Draw ray diagrams to illustrate the formation of a real image by a single lens

Supplement

Draw ray diagrams to illustrate the formation of a virtual image by a single lens

Use and describe the use of a single lens as a magnifying glass

3.2 (d) Dispersion of lightCore

Give a qualitative account of the dispersion of light as shown by the action on light of a glass prism

3.2 (e) Electromagnetic spectrumCore

Describe the main features of the electromagnetic spectrum and state that all e.m. waves travel with the same high speed in vacuo

Describe the role of electromagnetic waves in:

radio and television communications (radio waves)

satellite television and telephones (microwaves)

electrical appliances, remote controllers for televisions and intruder alarms (infrared)

medicine and security (X-rays)

Demonstrate an awareness of safety issues regarding the use of microwaves and X-rays

Supplement

State the approximate value of the speed of electromagnetic waves

Use the term monochromatic

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3.3 SoundCore

Describe the production of sound by vibrating sources

Describe the longitudinal nature of sound waves

State the approximate range of audible frequencies

Show an understanding that a medium is needed to transmit sound waves

Describe an experiment to determine the speed of sound in air

Relate the loudness and pitch of sound waves to amplitude and frequency

Describe how the reflection of sound may produce an echo

Supplement

Describe compression and rarefaction

State the order of magnitude of the speed of sound in air, liquids and solids

4. Electricity and magnetism

4.1 Simple phenomena of magnetismCore

State the properties of magnets

Give an account of induced magnetism

Distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous materials

Describe methods of magnetisation and of demagnetisation

Describe an experiment to identify the pattern of field lines round a bar magnet

Distinguish between the magnetic properties of iron and steel

Distinguish between the design and use of permanent magnets and electromagnets

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4.2 Electrical quantities

4.2 (a) Electric chargeCore

Describe simple experiments to show the production and detection of electrostatic charges

State that there are positive and negative charges

State that unlike charges attract and that like charges repel

Describe an electric field as a region in which an electric charge experiences a force

Distinguish between electrical conductors and insulators and give typical examples

Supplement

State that charge is measured in coulombs

State the direction of lines of force and describe simple field patterns, including the field around a point charge and the field between two parallel plates

Give an account of charging by induction

Recall and use the simple electron model to distinguish between conductors and insulators

4.2 (b) CurrentCore

State that current is related to the flow of charge

Use and describe the use of an ammeter

Supplement

Show understanding that a current is a rate of flow of charge and recall and use the equation I = Q /t

Distinguish between the direction of flow of electrons and conventional current

4.2 (c) Electro-motive forceCore

State that the e.m.f. of a source of electrical energy is measured in volts

Supplement

Show understanding that e.m.f. is defined in terms of energy supplied by a source in driving charge round a complete circuit

4.2 (d) Potential differenceCore

State that the potential difference across a circuit component is measured in volts

Use and describe the use of a voltmeter

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4.2 (e) ResistanceCore

State that resistance = p.d./current and understand qualitatively how changes in p.d. or resistance affect current

Recall and use the equation R = V/I Describe an experiment to determine resistance

using a voltmeter and an ammeter

Relate (without calculation) the resistance of a wire to its length and to its diameter

Supplement

Recall and use quantitatively the proportionality between resistance and length, and the inverse proportionality between resistance and cross-sectional area of a wire

4.2 (f) Electrical energySupplement

Recall and use the equations P =IV and E = IVt

4.3 Electric circuits

4.3 (a) Circuit diagrams

Core

Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable), lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and relays

Supplement

Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing diodes and transistors

4.3 (b) Series and parallel circuitsCore

Understand that the current at every point in a series circuit is the same

Give the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series

State that, for a parallel circuit, the current from the source is larger than the current in each branch

State that the combined resistance of two resistors in parallel is less than that of either resistor by itself

State the advantages of connecting lamps in parallel in a lighting circuit

Supplement

Recall and use the fact that the sum of the p.d.s across the components in a series circuit is equal to the total p.d. across the supply

Recall and use the fact that the current from the source is the sum of the currents in the separate branches of a parallel circuit

Calculate the effective resistance of two resistors in parallel

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4.3 (c) Action and use of circuit componentsCore

Describe the action of a variable potential divider (potentiometer)

Describe the action of thermistors and light-dependent resistors and show understanding of their use as input transducers

Describe the action of a capacitor as an energy store and show understanding of its use in time-delay circuits

Describe the action of a relay and show understanding of its use in switching circuits

Supplement

Describe the action of a diode and show understanding of its use as a rectifier

Describe the action of a transistor as an electrically operated switch and show understanding of its use in switching circuits

Recognise and show understanding of circuits operating as light sensitive switches and temperature-operated alarms (using a relay or a transistor)

4.3 (d) Digital electronicsSupplement

Explain and use the terms digital and analogue

State that logic gates are circuits containing transistors and other components

Describe the action of NOT, AND, OR, NAND and NOR gates

Design and understand simple digital circuits combining several logic gates

State and use the symbols for logic gates (candidates should use the American ANSI#Y 32.14 symbols)

4.4 Dangers of electricityCore

state the hazards of

damaged insulation

overheating of cables

damp conditions

Show an understanding of the use of fuses and circuit-breakers

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4.5 Electromagnetic effects

4.5 (a) Electromagnetic inductionCore

Describe an experiment that shows that a changing magnetic field can induce an e.m.f. in a circuit

Supplement

State the factors affecting the magnitude of an induced e.m.f.

Show understanding that the direction of an induced e.m.f. opposes the change causing it

4.5 (b) a.c. generatorCore

Describe a rotating-coil generator and the use of slip rings

Sketch a graph of voltage output against time for a simple a.c. generator

4.5 (c) TransformerCore

Describe the construction of a basic iron-cored transformer as used for voltage transformations

Recall and use the equation (Vp /Vs) = (Np /Ns)

Describe the use of the transformer in high-voltage transmission of electricity

Give the advantages of high-voltage transmission

Supplement

Describe the principle of operation of a transformer

Recall and use the equation

Vp Ip = Vs Is (for 100% efficiency)

Explain why energy losses in cables are lower when the voltage is high

4.5 (d) The magnetic effect of a currentCore

Describe the pattern of the magnetic field due to currents in straight wires and in solenoids

Describe applications of the magnetic effect of current, including the action of a relay

Supplement

State the qualitative variation of the strength of the magnetic field over salient parts of the pattern

Describe the effect on the magnetic field of changing the magnitude and direction of the current

4.5 (e) Force on a current-carrying conductorCore

Describe an experiment to show that a force acts on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field, including the effect of reversing:

(i) the current

(ii) the direction of the field

Supplement

Describe an experiment to show the corresponding force on beams of charged particles

State and use the relative directions of force, field and current

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4.5 (f) d.c. motorCore

State that a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field experiences a turning effect and that the effect is increased by increasing the number of turns on the coil

Relate this turning effect to the action of an electric motor

Supplement

Describe the effect of increasing the current

4.6 Cathode-ray oscilloscopes

4.6 (a) Cathode raysCore

Describe the production and detection of cathode rays

Describe their deflection in electric fields

State that the particles emitted in thermionic emission are electrons

4.6 (b) Simple treatment of cathode-ray oscilloscopeSupplement

Describe (in outline) the basic structure and action of a cathode-ray oscilloscope (detailed circuits are not required)

Use and describe the use of a cathode-ray oscilloscope to display waveforms

5. Atomic physics

5.1 Radioactivity

5.1 (a) Detection of radioactivityCore

Show awareness of the existence of background radiation

Describe the detection of -particles, -particles and -rays ( + are not included: -particles will be taken to refer to )

5.1 (b) Characteristics of the three kinds of emission

Core

State that radioactive emissions occur randomly over space and time

State, for radioactive emissions:

their nature

their relative ionising effects

their relative penetrating abilities

Describe their deflection in electric fields and magnetic fields

Interpret their relative ionising effects

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5.1 (c) Radioactive decayCore

State the meaning of radioactive decay, using equations (involving words or symbols) to represent changes in the composition of the nucleus when particles are emitted

5.1 (d) Half-lifeCore

Use the term half-life in simple calculations, which might involve information in tables or decay curves

5.1 (e) Safety precautionsCore

Describe how radioactive materials are handled, used and stored in a safe way

5.2 The nuclear atom

5.2 (a) Atomic modelCore

Describe the structure of an atom in terms of a nucleus and electrons

Supplement

Describe how the scattering of -particles by thin metal foils provides evidence for the nuclear atom

5.2 (b) NucleusCore

Describe the composition of the nucleus in terms of protons and neutrons

Use the term proton number Z

Use the term nucleon number A

Use the term nuclide and use the nuclide notation XZA

5.2 (c) IsotopesSupplement

Use the term isotope

Give and explain examples of practical applications of isotopes

Practical assessment


5.3 Paper 6: Alternative to PracticalThis paper is designed to test candidates familiarity with laboratory practical procedure. Questions may ask candidates to do the following:

follow instructions for drawing diagrams e.g. ray-tracing, simple electrical circuits

select a measuring device suitable for the task

give reasons for making a choice of apparatus

draw, complete and/or label diagrams of apparatus

describe in simple terms how they would carry out practical procedures e.g.:

when determining a (derived) quantity such as the extension per unit load for a spring;

when testing/identifying the relationship between two variables, such as between the p.d. across a wire and its length;

when comparing physical quantities such as the thermal capacity of two metals

take readings from their own diagrams, drawn as instructed, and/or from printed diagrams including:

reading a scale with appropriate precision/accuracy;

consistent use of significant figures;

use of appropriate units;

interpolating between scale divisions

recognise the need to take repeated measurements and obtain an average value

record observations systematically, with appropriate units

process data as required

present data graphically, using suitable axes and scales (appropriately labelled) and plotting the points accurately

take readings from a graph by interpolation and extrapolation

determine a gradient, intercept or intersection on a graph

draw and report a conclusion or result clearly

describe precautions taken in carrying out a procedure

explain and/or comment critically on described procedures or points of practical detail

comment on a procedure used in an experiment and suggest an improvement

plan an investigation, including suggesting suitable techniques and apparatus

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Cie Igcse Physics